What Are the Advantages of Organic Farming?

Understanding the answer to the question “What are the advantages of organic farming?” is really quite easy. Organic farming has advantages to the farmer, the consumer and the world.

Advantages of Organic Farming to the Farmer

Farming of any kind has health advantages.  One of the answers to the question of “What are the advantages of organic farming?” is that it is a mild exercise and it’s good for you.  Many people find that working in the dirt is relaxing and relieves stress.  There’s a psychological benefit to doing something elemental and close to nature. Another one of the answers to the question of “What are the advantages of organic farming?” is that organic farming, in particular, has advantages because you are not exposing yourself to dangerous chemicals.  Pesticides have been implicated in neurological and respiratory problems in farm workers; organic farmers do not use those pesticides. 

Organic farming is less expensive than conventional farming, because you make your own fertilizer.  You can also use non-hybridized seed and recycle your seeds rather than buying them.

Advantages of Organic Farming to the Consumer

One of the reasons organic farming is regulated is to make sure consumers are really getting the benefits of organic food.  Organic food is free of pesticides and the residue of chemical fertilizers, which are toxic. 

Organically grown food has more nutrients than conventionally grown food.  Studies have shown that organically grown potatoes and apples have more micronutrients and vitamins than those grown conventionally.

Advantages of Organic Farming to the World

Organic farming benefits the world in several ways.  It keeps dangerous chemicals out of the water and the food chain.  It prevents the growth of toxic algae in ponds and lakes; runoff containing chemical fertilizers encourages algae growth.

Organic farming is labor-intensive and favors small farmers.  It’s adaptable to different climates, and could help small farmers in drought or rain stricken areas to grow more food.

Organic farming works with nature, rather than against it.  It doesn’t require cutting down acres of rain forest, which contributes to global warming, which contributes to the desertification of Africa and India.

These are only a few of the advantages of organic farming for the farmer, the consumer and the world.